FOOTBALL BANNING ORDERS:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The following question and answer section will help to explain Football Banning Orders (FBO's) in Scotland:
When did FBOcome into force?
FBOs are part of Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 and came into force on 1 September 2006.
Why do we have FBO's in Scotland?
Some fans continue to use their club or the national team as a vehicle for violence and sectarian abuse. This stains the reputation of our game at home and abroad. FBO's help to tackle the small but hard core element who continue to cause trouble at football matches and other places where fans gather by excluding them from these places.
What football matches can you be excluded from?
Anyone indulging in abusive behaviour could be banned from every senior club in the UK and any game involving the national teams, even those played abroad.
Why can you be banned from other places and not just football grounds?
Not all football related trouble happens in or around football stadiums. There are many other flashpoints where trouble can erupt on match days, such as bars which are popular with fans; town centres or railway stations.
How do FBO's work?
There are two ways. A court can impose a FBO on an individual convicted of an offence instead of, or in addition to, any sentence the court could impose for the offence. Also the police can make a summary application to a sheriff court for a FBO to be imposed against an individual.
Who administers FBO's?
The Football Banning Orders Unit administers FBO's for the whole of Scotland. By working closely with all of the police forces in Scotland and across the UK they ensure that hooligans are identified, arrested and prosecuted. The Unit also ensures that FBO's are rigorously enforced and information shared. Anyone who fails to comply with the terms of their FBO or commits an offence can be fined and imprisoned for up to 6 months.
How long will a FBO last?
Between 3 and 10 years, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Do FBO's apply to sectarian behaviour?
Yes, this is a unique feature of Scottish FBO's.
How many FBOs are in place?
One Airdrie fan is already serving a three year ban and there are over 100 criminal cases currently awaiting trial - the trials for these cases will take place over the next couple of months. The offences range from Breach of the Peace with Religious Prejudice to assault, police assault, resisting arrest and general public disorder.
What can I do?
If you see trouble or know of an individual who has previously caused or been involved in violence or disorder, or you know someone who may pose a threat, you should report the matter to the police.
Where can I find out more information?
There is a dedicated website at www.footballbanningorders.com
What is the strategy 'Calling Full Time on Sectarianism' about?
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) developed the strategy in partnership with the Scottish Executive and sportscotland. The strategy identifies 8 key actions which will be taken forward to tackle football related sectarianism. The strategy was launched in December 2006 and can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/160254/0043618.pdf